A Louisiana hospital is implementing a very strict no-smoking policy next year. (Getty Images)

(Newser)
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A Louisiana hospital is really serious about its no-smoking policy: Starting next July, employees will no longer be allowed to work if their clothing even smells like smoke. Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital is expanding a policy originally put in place only in the women's and children's areas two years ago, the AP reports. Employees will also, obviously, not be allowed to use tobacco products while on shift, even during breaks. The hospital will provide resources and support for employees who decide to quit smoking entirely.

The policy will apply to the entire campus and is an effort to reduce patients' and employees' exposure to "third-hand smoke," or the toxins that remain on fabrics after a cigarette is smoked and are especially harmful to babies and young children. Employees recently received letters "notifying them that they had a year to make whatever adjustments they needed to make to be able to comply with the policy that would not allow them to smoke during the hours that they work," says a hospital administrator.

Being from Louisiana, I love this new rule. I agree with the fact that perfume and cologne are also annoying smells, but then again, most hospitals already ban their employees from using either. I certainly would be more confident knowing that the person with my life in their hands (or my offspring's life) is a healthy person in all aspects.

Beauxdog

Oct 4, 2011 8:29 AM CDT

Wow… what an interesting group of tobacco Nazis. Where to start? Disclosure… I was a long time smoker of 2+ packs a day… raised four incredibly healthy young men while smoking around them their whole lives. I’ve been a reformed smoker for eight years… and I work in a major hospital. @warped… just because YOU don’t like the smell of smoke doesn’t mean smokers are killing you. Most studies don’t show a correlation between second-hand smoke and health issues. The government and tobacco Nazis cherry pick the ones who agree with them. Personally, I think second-hand smoke is causing global warming. @MayPang… tobacco Nazis aren’t typically cons… they are typically elitist liberals. I am sorry you hate yourself for being a smoker. @Mad… I want my medical providers to be knowledgeable, skilled and not stressed out over suffering from an unnecessary nicotine fit. Working in a hospital, especially in areas with a higher death rate, is very stressful. Smoking relieves stress. People in stressful occupations tend to smoke more. @flameforjustice… drink some more kool-aid. You need it. My thoughts… as an employer, the company/hospital has a right to impose whatever requirements they desire. I just question whether it is wise to limit the hiring pool based on some higher ups personal preferences. Should a patient’s comfort/distaste for smoke smell, trump a medical person’s smoking… yes. However, I don’t think it is as big an issue as you guys think it is and accommodations can be made in most instances. The biggest issue I have is the imposition of draconian policies on patients themselves and their families/visitors. Being in a hospital or having a loved one there, is probably one of the most stressful events people will endure in their lives… second only to a unnecessarily imposed nicotine fit. Both are extremely stressful. This stressful time is not the time to advocate to these people to stop smoking. It is wrong to make them choose between being there with their loved one and seeking some place off the hospital campus where they can light up. Every floor should have a designated smoking area where patients/family can relieve their stress without being miles away in case they are needed. I remember being on a smoking balcony of a hospital before the tobacco Nazis took complete control… a patient rolled in in her wheelchair for a smoke. I asked her why she didn’t smoke in her room… she said they wouldn’t let her… I asked her… are they going to kick you out of the hospital if you smoke in your room? I didn’t see her again after that. The bottom line is there is a time and place for everything. Adding extreme stress on top of extreme stress is not fair to a smoker. I know you think it is icky… but it is their right to be icky.

dutchking

Oct 4, 2011 6:51 AM CDT

Cleveland Clinic already does that. They won't hire anyone who smokes. The actually include a nicotine test as part of their blood testing for employment. This has been for a while and they don't allow any smoking on their property.In fact I was harassed by a security guard while having a cigarette in my car in the parking lot with my windows closed.